WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ADOPT A SHELTER DOG
We spotlight shelter adoption in October, "Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog" month, but these tips will help prospective owners navigate the choices and challenges at any time. There are so many shelter dogs in need of good homes, choosing a canine companion may seem overwhelming.
With her special interest in behavior, Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a veterinarian at Furnetic, a small animal primary care practice that is part of the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine, has advice for making an adopted shelter dog's "forever home" a happy one.
> Read more about preparing to adopt a shelter dog
PET U: COPING WITH THE LOSS OF AN ANIMAL COMPANION
Our animal companions give us so much: unconditional love, loyal companionship, and laughter. It can be heart-breaking when a pet dies. On Monday, November 14, Cheryl Weber, MSW, LSW, client counselor at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, will offer strategies for coping with pet loss. Come and explore creative ways to memorialize a companion animal, rituals that may help, and resources for support.
Register by November 2 and receive a $5 discount off of the $13 registration fee.
> Learn more about this or other Pet U sessions | Register now
Three things we learned from our October Pet U session with University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital veterinary dermatologist, Dr. Domenico Santoro:
- Scratching, licking, biting, and rubbing are all common signs of itchiness.
- Possible causes for itchiness include parasites, allergies, infections, drug reactions, and dry skin.
- Contact your veterinarian If this behavior becomes more frequent and leads to sores, hair loss,or reddening of the skin.
> Watch Dr. Santoro on WCIA's "Pet on the Set"
Coming up on December 12: Eyes: How they work, how they break, and how veterinarians fix them, presented by University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Amber Labelle, DVM, MS, DAVCO.
RELIVE THE VET MED OPEN HOUSE FUN
Thanks to all who came to visit our 2011 Vet Med Open House. What was your favorite thing? Getting a behind-the-scenes tour of our Clinical Skills Learning Center? Milking a cow? Hooting it up with our birds of prey?
> Relive the fun on our Flickr site.
HAVE A SAFE (NOT SCARY) HALLOWEEN WITH YOUR PET
Just because Fido and Fluffy may be wearing costumes, that doesn't mean they should be allowed anywhere near your trick-or-treat goodies. Make sure to keep your furry friends away from chocolate, gum, and lit candles.
RECENT PET COLUMNS
